Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Valença > Valença > Bom Jesus
Situated in the Bom Jesus urbanization, in Valença, this chapel is harmoniously integrated into the heart of the coroada, a central and historic area of the city's grand fortification. Its position, in a well-defined rectangular square, invites a moment of contemplation and allows visitors to appreciate the architectural beauty within the context of a historic military square.
The Bom Jesus Chapel originated in the early 18th century, with construction beginning around 1701. The project is attributed to the military engineer Manuel Pinto de Vilalobos, who applied here the architectural principles of the churches he designed. This edifice was born from a royal commission, compensating for the demolition of a previous chapel during the reconstruction works of Valença's walls. Throughout its existence, it was administered by distinct entities, notably its connection to the Military Brotherhood of Our Lady of Carmel, an association reserved for military personnel of the Valença Infantry Regiment, underscoring its military and religious role in local history.
As a notable example of Baroque architecture, the Bom Jesus Chapel exhibits a simple rectangular plan, composed of a single nave preceding a chancel, the latter slightly lower and narrower. Inside, the nave is covered by an elegant false barrel vault, while the chancel features a coffered vault, solutions that reflect the region's constructive preferences. The rectangular windows with splayed reveals allow natural light to enter, highlighting the details.
On the exterior, the main façade is one of its richest features, with careful stonework treatment. On it, decorative elements of the Ionic, Doric, and Tuscan orders coexist harmoniously. The entrance portal, in a semicircular arch, is set within a convex stonework structure, culminating in a pediment interrupted by volutes, flanked by spheres on plinths.
The chapel's interior is enriched by polychromed carved side altarpieces, with a Rococo style that confers lightness and dynamism upon them. The main altarpiece, in turn, presents a Neorococo revival, with an attic structure of rare configuration. The surfaces are skillfully worked with faux marbling in vibrant shades of green, pink, and blue, complemented by gilding.
One of the chapel's most emblematic elements is the image of Our Lady of Carmel, patroness of the former Valença Infantry Regiment. This image possesses deep symbolism and historical value, having accompanied the military personnel in their campaigns, including the Peninsular War. As a token of devotion and gratitude, it bears decorations donated by a Field Marshal, marking its indelible connection to military history and the faith of the people of Valença.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 42.0284528,-8.6455461
Coordinates DMS: 42°01'42.4"N 08°38'44.0"W
Weather Valença
On-duty Pharmacy Valença
